Heating up your garage can make it more comfortable to work in and extend the time you can use the space. A cold garage is unpleasant and can even be dangerous in extremely low temperatures. There are several effective methods for heating a garage to make it more habitable.

Determine Your Heating Needs

The first step is deciding what level of heating you need for the garage and how you plan to utilize the space. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Will you be using the garage just for occasional work? Or will it be a workshop or hangout space? The heating needs for an occasionally used garage are quite different than for one used daily.
How well insulated is the garage? Poorly insulated spaces are harder to heat. Inspect the walls, ceiling, doors and windows to determine if you need to add insulation before heating the garage.
What is the size of the garage? Calculate the square footage to determine the heating output you will need.
What is the typical outdoor temperature where you live? If winters are mild, you may not need as robust heating as in cold climates.
Do you need to heat the entire garage or just certain areas? Zone heating might be most practical.
What is your budget? Choose the most affordable heating method that meets your needs.

By answering these questions, you can determine the ideal heating setup for your garage space.

Add Insulation

One of the best ways to warm up a garage is by adding insulation. Insulation helps trap heat and prevent drafts. Most garages are poorly insulated compared to living spaces. Here are some tips for insulating your garage:

Check the walls and ceilings for existing insulation. See if adding to what’s already there is sufficient.
For unfinished walls and ceilings, fiberglass batt insulation is easy to install. Cut pieces to fit between the wall studs and rafters.
Use rigid foam boards for unfinished garage walls. Secure boards with adhesive or nails to studs.
Filled cavity wall insulation can be blown into finished walls through small holes. Leave no gaps or air pockets.
Add weather stripping around doors, windows and openings to reduce drafts. Replace old doors and windows with energy efficient models.
Insulate the garage door itself. There are kits with sheets that attach to the inside of the door panels using double sided tape or Velcro.
Insulate the attic above the garage if it’s accessible. Most heat loss occurs through the ceiling.

Proper insulation helps warm from a heating system spread through the garage and stay there. It also reduces energy costs since the space takes less energy to heat.

Use Space Heaters

Electric space heaters are an affordable way to heat a garage without having to modify existing ductwork or plumbing. They quickly warm up small areas to make the space more habitable. Here are tips for using space heaters in a garage:

Choose a unit with enough heating capacity for the size of the area but don’t oversize. Overlarge units are less energy efficient.
Select thermostat controlled heaters to easily regulate the temperature. This also saves energy.
Place the heater where you will be working and away from flammable objects. Position it for best heat circulation.
Mount the heater high up on a wall or suspended from the ceiling so it doesn’t take up valuable floor space.
Check that the electrical circuit has adequate capacity for the heater. Avoid extension cords which can overheat.
Use automatic shut off heaters for safety. This prevents fires in case the unit gets knocked over.
Exit heating helps quickly take the chill out of the garage. Turn on the heater about 30 minutes before use.

Space heaters allow flexible and affordable zone heating for garages. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.

Install Wall-Mounted Heaters

Wall mounted or ductless mini-split heat pumps are very energy efficient heating systems for garages. They provide steady, controllable heat:

Wall-mounted units are self contained systems with an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor blower unit. They require minimal installation work.
Ductless mini-split heat pumps can have one or multiple indoor blower units connected to the outdoor compressor.
Units are available in a wide range of heating capacities for any garage size. Select based on peak heating needs.
Models with inverter technology only output as much heat as needed for energy savings.
Without ductwork, heated air is delivered right at wall units. Flexible for zone heating.
Install heat pump units high on a wall or dropped ceiling for best distribution across the garage space.
Proper installation is important for efficient operation and to prevent refrigerant leaks. Use a professional for best results.
Energy efficient heat pumps can significantly reduce heating costs compared to less efficient systems.

For warmth all winter without the drafts of space heaters, a ductless mini-split system is a smart heating choice.

Use a Gas Heater

Gas fired heaters provide steady, whole garage heating. Natural gas or propane garage heaters are available in a variety of types:

Natural gas wall furnaces are a common built-in garage heating solution. Vented units require professional installation and connection to gas lines.
Vented suspended tube heaters hang from the ceiling. A licensed contractor must install and connect gas lines.
Vented infrared tube heaters emit radiant heat for quick garage warmth. Must be professionally installed and connected.
Vent-free gas heaters require no ducting outside. Easier to install but less efficient than vented units.
Portable propane heaters conveniently move around for zone heating. Use a thermostat model for optimal efficiency.
Propane patio heaters warm up a large area and take up minimal floor space. Best for occasional garage use.
Always follow manufacturer instructions for proper venting, clearance from objects and garage size capacity.
Carbon monoxide sensors should be installed according to local codes for gas fired heaters.

Gas heaters are typically more expensive to purchase and operate than electric heating but provide comfortable, draft free warmth.

Add a Wood Stove or Fireplace

A wood stove or fireplace inserts can be an attractive and economical way to heat a garage workshop:

Freestanding wood stoves provide radiant and convection heat. Models certified for garages are available. Requires proper clearance from walls and objects.
Wood stove installation requires following building codes for floor protection, ventilation and chimney installation. Use a professional for code-compliant setup.
Wood burning fireplace inserts can be added to existing masonry fireplaces. Provides ambiance in addition to heating.
Only well-seasoned wood should be burned to minimize creosote buildup in chimneys. Have the chimney cleaned annually.
The garage must have enough combustion air coming in for proper drafting up the chimney.
Wood stoves require loading firewood every few hours during use which may not be practical for all users.

The smell and crackling sound of a wood fire makes working in the garage cozy on cold winter days. Just be sure to take proper safety precautions.

Repurpose Household Heaters

Sometimes it is necessary to warm up the garage in a pinch and you have to improvise with items at hand:

Small electric ceramic heaters can provide instant spot heating when needed. Use only heaters in good condition with no frayed cords.
Old space heaters lying around the house might still function adequately to take the chill off the garage temporarily.
Small fan forced electric oil radiators quickly provide zone heating. Use a unit in good operating condition.
Repurposed household heaters must only be used with adequate ventilation and never left unattended.
Avoid using any portable fuel burning heater like kerosene in the garage due to deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
Monitor repurposed heaters carefully and never leave them unattended. Unplug after use.

Household heaters are not designed for permanent garage use. Improvising with available items works for brief heating but is not a reliable long term solution.

Direct HVAC System Heat

The most effective way to reliably heat a garage is tying it into the home’s central heating system:

Extending ductwork from the home allows air from the furnace or heat pump to directly warm the garage.
Zoned HVAC systems can be set up to only heat the garage when needed. Minimizes energy costs.
Duct heater systems use the home’s ductwork by closing vent registers in the house and directing all heat output to the garage.
Hydronic heating uses hot water circulated from a central boiler through radiators in the garage. Provides very even heat.
HVAC modifications require professional expertise for proper design and installation.
Any heating system tie-in should be performed by licensed technicians to meet building codes.

Heating a garage with the home’s HVAC system provides reliable, automatic winter warmth but at higher upfront cost.

Use a Combination of Methods

Sometimes using a combination of heating methods is the optimal solution:

Small space heaters supplementing central heating can warm cold spots or provide zone heating.
Use a standalone propane heater while doing automotive work but central heating otherwise.
Insulate the garage and add a gas wall furnace but use space heaters for added warmth as needed.
A ductless mini-split provides overall heating supplemented by portable heaters near workbenches.
Combining heating methods provides versatility for handling both ongoing winter use and periodic projects.

With creative combining of various heat sources, it is possible to create a comfortable heated garage for any usage need and budget.

Safety Considerations

Any garage heating methods must follow proper safety practices:

Carefully follow all manufacturer operating instructions and local building codes.
Install carbon monoxide detectors if using fuel burning heaters.
Do not leave portable heaters unattended or use near flammables.
Check for adequate ventilation of exhaust fumes from fuel burning heaters.
Inspect extension cords; do not overload circuits.
Keep combustibles away from hot surfaces and open flames.
Check insulation, wiring and wood stove chimneys for proper clearances.
Use fireproof materials on walls and floors near wood stoves.

Making safety a priority helps prevent tragedy. Never compromise proper precautions when heating your garage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Heating a Garage

Heating a garage raises many common questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked:

How expensive is it to heat a garage?

Costs vary considerably based on size, insulation, heating method and climate. Electric space heaters can cost just a few dollars per use. Heating bills for a heated workshop can total $100 or more monthly in cold weather. Adding insulation provides maximum savings.

Will a kerosene heater work in a garage?

Kerosene heaters are not recommended. They produce toxic fumes and the open flame poses extreme fire risk in a garage with flammables. Electric or gas heating is safer.

Where should the thermostat be located in a heated garage?

Locate the thermostat about five feet above the floor on an interior wall. Avoid exterior walls or any areas that may get wet. Place it away from drafts or heat sources for an accurate reading.

What temperature should you heat a garage to?

General recommendation is maintaining a minimum of 50 to 55°F for comfort and to prevent freezing pipes and vehicles. For workshop use 60°F to 65°F is preferred. The optimal temperature depends on garage use and personal preference.

Is it a bad idea to use propane to heat a garage?

No, propane heaters are an effective heating option if proper ventilation is provided. Always follow manufacturer instructions for garage capacity and clearances. Propane produces water vapor so be sure the space can handle the added humidity.

How can you insulate garage doors?

Use kits that attach insulating foam panels, insulation batting or vinyl sheets to the inside surface of garage doors using adhesive, magnets or Velcro. Gasket seals around and between door panels and on the bottom seal out drafts.

Is it cheaper to use a gas or electric heater in a garage?

Electric heaters have lower purchase costs but higher operating costs. Gas heaters cost more upfront but are generally cheaper to operate. The payback period to offset higher gas heater installation costs varies by usage level.

Conclusion

There are great options for successfully heating up both fully and occasionally used garages. With proper heating, you can comfortably work on projects or just hang out in your garage even in cold weather. Carefully evaluate your needs and follow safety guidelines for the optimal heating solution. A warm, comfortable garage provides benefits all winter long.

How to Heat up Your Garage